Baldwin & Sons
Islamic Coin Auction 25 10 December 2013
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ISLAMIC COINS. OTTOMAN. Ahmad III, Gold Funduq/Zinjirli Altun, Islambul 1115h, mim dal, 3.47g (Pere 499). Extremely fine.
This coin is an example of the successful monetary reform introduced by Ahmad III. The weight was that of the Venetian Sequin or Ducat, but the coin was affectionately known as funduq, the very popular name for a hazelnut, and for its association with the commercial dominance of Venice. The word zinjirli (ie chain-like) refers to the fine-linked border on these coins. During this period the Ottomans in both Constantinople and Cairo added small isolated letters to distinguish the coins from one another. After years of speculation by Turkish and foreign numismatists no satisfactory explanation for these mysterious letters has been given. One clue might be that they were originally related to the origin of the metal used to strike the coins, a custom which was frequently encountered in western Europe at this time.
Estimate: £200-250
This coin is an example of the successful monetary reform introduced by Ahmad III. The weight was that of the Venetian Sequin or Ducat, but the coin was affectionately known as funduq, the very popular name for a hazelnut, and for its association with the commercial dominance of Venice. The word zinjirli (ie chain-like) refers to the fine-linked border on these coins. During this period the Ottomans in both Constantinople and Cairo added small isolated letters to distinguish the coins from one another. After years of speculation by Turkish and foreign numismatists no satisfactory explanation for these mysterious letters has been given. One clue might be that they were originally related to the origin of the metal used to strike the coins, a custom which was frequently encountered in western Europe at this time.
Estimate: £200-250